COBB ISLAND, Md. — On April 10, 2025, a 38-foot vessel sank while moored at the Rivah Restaurant and Marina in Cobb Island, Charles County, prompting an immediate response from emergency services to mitigate environmental hazards. The incident, reported at approximately 8:00 p.m., resulted in a fuel and oil sheen on the water, raising concerns about potential ecological impact.
Chief 6 took command upon arrival, coordinating efforts to contain the spill. Witnesses noted the vessel had been taking on water for several days, with deteriorating wind and water conditions leading to its submersion. Hazardous Materials teams, including HM Spill 16 and HM20, collaborated with Boat 5A and other crews to deploy containment booms, limiting the spread of gasoline and oil.
Units responding included Rescue Engine 6, Ambulance 69, Rescue Engine 14, HM Spill 16, HM20, Boat 5A, Boat 8, and Chief 17. Command staff worked with the United States Coast Guard and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to share vessel details and devise a response strategy. No one was aboard the vessel, and attempts to contact the owner were unsuccessful at the time of the incident.
The area remains under surveillance, with ongoing environmental assessments to determine the extent of the impact. Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of the site during operations. The Maryland Department of the Environment emphasizes that rapid containment is critical in such spills to protect waterways.
Cobb Island, located in Charles County at the confluence of the Potomac and Wicomico rivers, hosts the Rivah Restaurant and Marina at 12364 Neale Sound Drive. The island’s position, connected by a short bridge along Maryland Route 254, makes it a hub for boating and dining, with over 300 miles of shoreline in the county supporting a vibrant maritime community.
The incident highlights the need for vigilant vessel maintenance, as noted in Coast Guard safety guidelines, which report thousands of boating incidents annually. Response efforts continue to ensure environmental safety and site security.
